Daily Archive : Thursday July 5, 2012

News

Longtime Wheaton teacher remembered for his ‘service heart’
By Annalisa RodriguezThose close to Raymond C. Wolf are remembering him not just as a longtime teacher, but as a selfless man who made others his priority and went out of his way to help them without seeking recognition. Wolf, 69, died Monday after a long illness. He taught art at Wheaton North High School for 33 years before retiring in 2000.

Shipwright builds on past to save maritime future
Associated PressMany see the 45-year-old Harold Burnham as a master of a dying art. The Essex-born shipwright uses locally harvested wood and hand tools to build schooners at Burnham Boat Building with a modern adaptation of the same techniques builders used on this waterfront land in colonial times. Burnham recently captured recognition by winning one of nine $25,000 heritage fellowships the National Endowment...

How 1 US-trained soldier led an ‘accidental coup’ in Mali
Associated PressOne morning three months ago, all of Mali was surprised when 39-year-old Capt. Amadou Haya Sanogo came on national TV and announced the military had overthrown the government — including his parents. The ease of the takeover, just six weeks before a presidential election, shows how quickly the course of a nation in this part of the world can change, despite or even partly because of funding...

Glenview couple identified as train wreck victimsBy Madhu Krishnamurthy
A Glenview couple was killed in Wednesday afternoon's train derailment in which a bridge collapsed onto Shermer Road in Glenview, according to a law firm representing the family. The victims were identified as Burton Lindner, 69, and Zorine Lindner, 70, who lived about a block from the derailment site, according to a spokeswoman at the Chicago law firm of Michael LaMonica. Autopsies are scheduled...

Severely burned girls learn to cope at retreat
Associated PressThe room rings out with the cruel nicknames that have haunted the teenagers for years: Crusty crab. Burnt toast. Snake skin. Freddy Krueger's daughter. Mutant. Scarface. At Angel Faces' annual retreat, young girls with severe burns or facial disfigurement come from all over the world to start healing through group counseling, role-playing, art therapy and workshops that teach coping skills.

FBI: Lombard man wanted hit after losing $8.2 million judgment By Harry Hitzeman
Legal Affairs Writer
The owner of an Oakbrook Terrace office complex has been charged by the FBI in a murder-for-hire plot. Authorities say Daniel Dvorkin, 74, of Lombard, offered a person $100,000 to knock off a person who recently won an $8.2 million civil judgment against him. He is due in court Friday for a bond hearing and faces up to five years in prison if convicted.

Bus driver charged with touching studentsBy Eric PetersonSouth Barrington police have charged a school bus driver from Lake in the Hills with four counts of misdemeanor battery for inappropriately touching four elementary school students over the course of the past year. John Petrone, 68, who lives on Heavens Gate street in Lake in the Hills was released after posting $150 bond Thursday. His next court date is Aug. 2.

Hot or cold? Outdoor workers can do without either one By Josh Stockinger
When it comes to sweltering heat and blistering cold, is there a lesser of two evils? Not necessarily, say people who work outdoors — it all stinks in its own special way. "That's like, would you rather be in the middle of a volcano when it erupts or at the North Pole in the wintertime? They're both dangerous but for opposite reasons," a Carol Stream police sergeant said.

Fireworks, extreme drought cause of brush fire in Long Grove By David Conway
A brush fire in Long Grove that requred the response of more than 30 fire departments was caused by the use of illegal fireworks, according to a news release from the Long Grove Fire Protection District. About 18 acres of wetland burned, the release stated.

New jobs report looms over Obama campaign bus trip
Associated PressCampaigning by bus through swing state Ohio, President Barack Obama cast his re-election bid as a bet on the American worker Thursday, even as he braced for a Friday unemployment report that will help set battle lines for the hot summer to come.

Northwest suburban police blotter
By Freida GadA Northbrook man was arrested around1:05 a.m. June 28 in Wheeling and charged with possession and consumption of alcohol by a minor. Reports said he rode his bicycle from Mors Avenue into the southbound lanes of Milwaukee Avenue and crossed into the northbound lanes in front of a squad car, forcing the driver o slam on his brakes to avoid hitting him.

Walsh spars with CNN personality over Duckworth
By Mike RiopellRepublican U.S. Rep. Joe Walsh got in a spirited verbal sparring match with CNN personality Ashleigh Banfield Thursday over his comments in Elk Grove Village this week that Democrat Tammy Duckworth says attacked her military service.

Another Jr. Warriors program starting at Maine West
By Clara BushMaine West already has Junior Warriors football and basketball programs. Now freshmen coach Matt Smith is starting a similar baseball program. "We feel that if we have some type of program, they'll know our expectations," Smith said.

District 93 goal: a computer for every student By Christopher Placek
By 2015, all 4,000 students who attend school in Carol Stream Elementary District 93 could have their own computer to use in the classroom. The district is rolling out its so-called "1:1 learning initiative" that will put new iPads and MacBook Airs in the hands of students and teachers to use as learning and teaching tools. "It's the idea of personalizing education for kids," said Superintendent...

Wauconda names new village engineerBy Jennifer EarlWauconda officials approved Bill Rickert to be their new village engineer at a village board meeting Monday night. Rickert, president of RHMG Engineers will replace Director of Operations David Lawry, who was serving as interim village engineer. Mayor Mark Knigge said Rickert was the top candidate for the job with his local engineer experience and extensive background with sewer projects and...

Teen OK after being struck by bullet in Glendale Heights By Robert Sanchez
A bullet that apparently was fired in the air July 4 injured a teenager while she sat on a bench in a Glendale Heights park, police said Thursday. The 17-year-old girl was struck between 10 and 10:15 p.m. at Gladstone Park, 145 Gladstone Drive. Glendale Heights police said they believe the shooting is the result of someone firing a gun "in the celebration of July 4." Happily for the teen, the...

Seniors: Swallow your pride, ask for help to manage heat
By Eric Peterson and Lee FilasNo doubt senior citizens are among the most vulnerable to the intense heat. But some experts say the extreme nature of the current heat wave may actually be helping to jog seniors into seeking relief. "Our seniors are stubborn. They're very proud people," said Gerry Bartnicke, Schaumburg Township director of disability and senior services. But with a 103-degree day Thursday, many seniors are...

St. Paul Lutheran in Mount Prospect turns 100 Saturday
By Jean MurphySt. Paul Lutheran Church in Mount Prospect was founded on July 7, 1912, by 17 men, all German immigrants who were tired of carting their families two and half miles south to St. John Lutheran Church every Sunday and sending their children that far to school. The church, which has 1,500 members, is celebrating its 100th anniversary this weekend.

Former teacher charged with “sexting” underage girl
By Elena FerrarinJack K. Pickup, 34, of the 100 block of East Liberty Street in Barrington, was arrested after he texted a picture of his genitals to a 15-year-old girl, McHenry County Sheriff's officials said. Pickup is a former middle school teacher at Chippewa Middle School in Des Plaines, where the girl went to school.

5 states to continue suit demanding Asian carp fix
Associated PressFive states are continuing a lawsuit against the federal government demanding action to prevent Asian carp from reaching the Great Lakes, despite recent congressional action. Legislation approved last month requires the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to complete a plan for shielding the lakes from the invasive carp within 18 months.

Plan to help guide Carpentersville’s vision of Old Town
By Lenore T. AdkinsA draft plan for Carpentersville's Old Town outlines how to make the most of the historic neighborhood's assets while making it a better place to live. The village board is scheduled to take a vote on the blueprint on Tuesday, after 10 months of planning.

Legislation to make it harder to aid fugitives
Associated PressA new Illinois law is supposed to make it harder for fugitives to give authorities the slip. Gov. Pat Quinn signed legislation Thursday that's designed to close a loophole in the state's criminal code that effectively exempts relatives from punishment if they aid a family member on the lam.

Woman pleads guilty to battery that severely injured daughter
By Susan SarkauskasCathleen Koch pleaded guilty Thursday to aggravated domestic battery of her daughter, Molly, that left the toddler with permanent brain damage. Even though Cathleen didn't touch the girl Oct. 27, 2010, legally she is accountable for the actions of James Cooper, Koch's boyfriend, who beat the child.

Low bids means increased road repairs in Bartlett
By Jessica CilellaLow bids on the first portion of a villagewide road project in Bartlett will allow the village to fix 15 to 20 more miles of road than originally planned. Paul Kuester, director of public works, said he hopes to now repair between 55 and 60 miles of the village's 141 miles of road with the savings.

Tri-Cities police reports
A roll of aluminum siding, a cordless air-powered nailer, a stapler, a drill and miscellaneous hand tools were stolen in the 100 block of North Mallory Avenue, it was reported at 12:22 p.m. Wednesday, police said.

Objection to Arlington Hts. man’s candidacy overturned
By Kimberly PohlDemocrats will indeed have a candidate to challenge Republican state Rep. David Harris in the November election. The Cook County clerk's electoral board Tuesday overruled the objection to Curt Renz's nominating petitions, securing his place on the ballot in the race for the newly drawn 53rd House District seat.

Prospect Heights Public Library begins search for director
By David ConwayThe Prospect Heights Public Library is beginning their search for a new executive director as the current director, William McCully, is set to retire in September. The consultant hired to lead the job search said no radical changes are anticipated. "The board and the staff are very happy with the library," she said.

Three possible heat deaths reported in area
By Lee FilasMedical officials are warning people to take extra care to avoid the excessive heat after three potential heat-related deaths in Lake and Cook counties in the last three days. One death was reported in Lake County and two in Cook County. Officials are waiting for toxicology tests before making a final determination.

Huntley survey to measure police department’s effectiveness
By Lenore T. AdkinsHow's the Huntley Police department doing when it comes to serving and protecting the village? If you live or work in town, the department wants you to answer that question as part of a survey meant to measure its effectiveness.

Records charge increases
Daily Herald reportEffective July 1, Lake County's fee for a certified death record increased to $12 for the first copy and $8 for each additional copy of the same record issued at the same time, due to a change in state law. Genealogical records will remain at $4.

Winchester rail crossing closed
Daily Herald reportLake County Department of Transportation officials said Winchester Road will be closed at the railroad crossing, just west of Route 45, in Libertyville until Saturday for repairs.

Beavers says he has proof tax charges unfounded
Associated PressAn influential Cook County commissioner facing federal tax charges told reporters Thursday he has proof he paid back money borrowed from his campaign and never sought to evade payments to the IRS. "I'm not a criminal and haven't stolen a dime," William Beavers said.

Trail connection at Fox River gets financial backing By Marie Wilson
South River Street Park along the Fox River's west bank in Aurora soon will become something of a regional pedestrian trail hub thanks in part to a $271,000 state grant. A new ramp connecting the Gilman Trail with the Fox River Trail will be the highlight of the development plan, said Jeff Palmquist, the park district's director of planning, development and grants. "These are two regional trails...

More fun still to come with Celebrate Fox Lake By Lee Filas
Fox Lake residents will wait until the weekend to celebrate Independence Day, but the village will definitely celebrate, officials said. The annual Fox Lake Independence Day celebration is set for Saturday, July 7, with a parade, a craft fair, and the annual fireworks celebration over Fox Lake.

Northwest suburban police blotter
By Freida GadTwo males stole $100 and four bank cards out of a purse in an unlocked 2011 Nissan SUV in an apartment lot in Palatine between 12:30 and 1:20 a.m. June 30. They took the money and cards, but dropped the purse and ran when confronted by a witness. The witness had seen them pulling on car door handles before they found an unlocked vehicle.

Long Grove officials probe cause of slough fire By Jessica Cilella
Investigators have returned to the scene of a large slough fire that sparked Wednesday afternoon. Long Grove fire officials said the cause of the blaze that sparked north of Route 53, near Middlefax Drive, is still under investigation, but said clean up continues in the area.

MMA event at Libertyville Sports Complex
Libertyville Sports Complex submissionMMA comes to the Libertyville Sports Complex at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, July 7, with a full card of bouts in "Who's Next!" featuring top Mixed Martial Arts fighters from the Chicagoland area.

Exhibit pays homage to Geneva’s Island ParkBy Gail GabodaScenic Island Park has been the site of concerts, plays and picnics over the years. This month, the park, which is currently closed for renovation, is the subject of a new art exhibit at the Art Box, 514 W. State St., Geneva. An opening reception will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, July 6, and the exhibit runs through July 31.

San Diego fireworks malfunction in big, fast flash
Associated PressThe Fourth of July fireworks display above San Diego Bay was over in a flash after a malfunction that the show's producer blamed Thursday on a computer glitch caused the planned 20-minute spectacle to burn up all at once.

What is polonium-210 and how can it kill?
Associated PressPolonium first hit the headlines when it was used to kill KGB agent-turned-Kremlin critic Alexander Litvinenko in 2006. This week, Yasser Arafat's widow has called for the late Palestinian leader's body to be exhumed after scientists in Switzerland found elevated traces of radioactive polonium-210 on his clothing.

Crews in Northbrook clearing wreckage of derailed train
Associated PressCrews are clearing the wreckage after a freight train hauling coal derailed and took out a railroad bridge in Northbrook. Union Pacific spokesman Mark Davis says the weight of the piled-up cars caused the bridge to collapse over a roadway between Glenview and Northbrook. There were no reports of injuries.

Utilities struggle to restore power to thousands
Associated PressUtility workers were working Thursday to return lights and air conditions to hundreds of thousands of people who remained without power after last week's violent storms, even as more strong storms moved in.

So, how much would you pay to be number 1? Associated PressWant to be No. 1? Well, you could soon get that chance. Gov. Pat Quinn is considering a plan to sell the coveted No. 1 Illinois license plate to the highest bidder.

Horseshoe sandwich anyone? No, reallyAssociated Press
The Illinois State Fair is debuting four new culinary contests this year. One contest honors a central Illinois favorite: the horseshoe sandwich. The Illinois State Fair horseshoe sandwich competition is Aug. 11. Contestants must make two horseshoe sandwiches, which will be judged on taste, creativity and appearance.

District 88 superintendent retires after 42 years in education By Elisabeth Mistretta
DuPage High School District 88 is saying goodbye this summer to Superintendent Steve Humphrey after nearly 12 years. While he helped shepherd the $115 million Building the Future project that dramatically modernized Addison Trail and Willowbrook high schools, officials say he will be most missed for "giving kids every opportunity to succeed."

Rolling Meadows Park District hosts powerful anti-bullying speakerBy Melissa Silverberg
One of the families featured in the documentary "Bully" will be in Rolling Meadows July 7 talking to 35 suburban park districts, and later giving a presentation that's open to the public. After his 11-year-old son killed himself, Kirk Smalley made a promise to stop bullying around the world. "I don't break promises to my kid," Smalley said.

Zimmerman’s bail set at $1M in Trayvon Martin case
Associated PressORLANDO, Fla. — The neighborhood watch volunteer who killed Trayvon Martin can be released from jail on $1 million bond while he awaits trial on a second-degree murder charge, a judge ruled Thursday.

Fla. lifeguard fired for rescue outside beach zone
Lifeguard Tomas Lopez helped save a drowning man and got fired for it.The reason: He left the section of a south Florida beach his company is paid to patrol. The Orlando-based company, Jeff Ellis and Associates, says Lopez broke a company rule and could have put beachgoers in his section in jeopardy.

Sink your teeth into East Dundee firefighters' meat raffle Gerard Dziuba
East Dundee firefighters are depending on the success of the annual meat sales to carry their fundraising goals for the year. They won't have the summer barbecue as they have had in years past; they will just sell packages of chicken, steaks, and pork chops. That sale will take place from 3-11 p.m. Saturday, July 14, in Max Freeman Park. Last year the sale brought in $1,500, said Paula Roland,...

Search for Waldo at Naperville businesses this July
By Annalisa RodriguezWaldo won't just be lurking in "Where's Waldo?" books this summer. Throughout July, he'll be hiding in Naperville businesses waiting to be found. Children and families can hunt for Waldo in more than 20 stores and businesses as part of "Where's Waldo? on Main Street, USA" in celebration of Waldo's 25th anniversary.

Business Ledger names Dist. 54 official as top CFO
By Norrine TwoheyThe Daily Herald Business Ledger selected Ric King, assistant superintendent District 54, as a 2012 honoree in its first CFO of the Year Awards. King was nominated by the District 54 School Board.

Illinois family donates war artifacts to NY fort Associated PressAn Illinois family is donating their ancestor's Revolutionary War artifacts to Fort Ticonderoga in upstate New York. Officials at Fort Ticonderoga say the engraved powder horn, musket and walking stick Amos Chaffee carried during the American Revolution will be formerly presented during a ceremony being held at the tourist attraction Saturday afternoon.

Harpist doesn't just play classical Associated PressNanette Felix started playing harp at age 10 after she envisioned an angel guiding her to do so. The principal harpist for the Rockford Symphony Orchestra, for which she has played since she was 20 years old, said the sounds she creates on her many harps are "heavenly" and "healing." Her favorite harp is a 6-foot-2-inch, 95-pound Concert Grand by Venus Harps.

2 area deaths may be related to heat wave
Associated PressTwo people in the Chicago area may have died from heat-related causes on the Fourth of July, pending further investigation into the official cause of death. A spokesman for the Cook County medical examiner's office says the two deaths Wednesday so far are the only fatalities possibly related to the recent wave of roasting temperatures.

Despite laws, illegal fireworks easily bring danger
By Jake GriffinIllinois police beef up their attempts to keep illegal fireworks out of the state, though there are little resources at their disposal and few deterrents to keep residents from buying the explosives in neighboring states.

Fireworks: ‘People should use common sense and follow the law’Besides noticing the usual vigilance for drunken driving and seat belt-wearing that Illinois State Police troopers employ this time of year, drivers pulled over near the Indiana or Wisconsin borders can expect to be questioned about fireworks as well.

Images: July 4th around U.S.
The skies filled with fireworks while people on the ground were sweating it out this July 4. Here are images of celebrations around the country.

Butterfly art project colors Northwest suburbs this summer By Matt Arado
Dozens of brightly painted butterfly statues have been stationed in Mount Prospect, Des Plaines and Park Ridge as part of a public art project benefitting Rainbow Hospice. "We thought the butterfly was a good metaphor for what we do," said Dave Samson, Rainbow's vice president. "It's a symbol of change, of hope, of new life."

Romney’s wife says woman being eyed for ticket
Associated PressWASHINGTON — Mitt Romney’s wife says her husband is thinking about picking a woman to be on his ticket this fall.Ann Romney says in an interview, “We’ve been looking at that and I love that option as well.”

Air France crash probe finds pilots lacked proper training
Bloomberg NewsThe pilots of Air France flight 447 that crashed into the Atlantic Ocean three years ago lacked the right training to respond to a surprise scenario, the French aviation investigator said in its final report of the incident.

Iraq says al-Qaida fighters flowing into Syria
Associated PressBAGHDAD — Iraq’s top diplomat on Thursday said he had “solid information” that al-Qaida militants were crossing from Iraq to Syria to carry out attacks, warning of a violent spillover that could shake the Middle East.Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari said Baghdad had for years urged Damascus to clamp down on militant traffic as Sunni fighters headed from Syria to aid the Iraqi insurgency.

Hamas PM to meet Islamist president of Egypt
Associated PressGAZA CITY, Gaza Strip — A Palestinian official says Gaza’s prime minister will head to Cairo within the next two weeks to meet with Egypt’s new Islamist president, who has close ties with the territory’s Hamas rulers.

Deadbeat dad pleads guilty after movie ruse
Associated PressALLENTOWN, Pa. — A man has been ordered to pay more than $32,000 in back child support after being lured back to Pennsylvania with the promise of a bogus role in a Jennifer Aniston movie.Joshua Garlathy pleaded guilty Tuesday to willful failure to pay child support more than a month after he was arrested after his flight from Hawaii landed in Philadelphia.

Stuck horse rescued from NW Ind. railroad bridge Associated PressSeveral people worked to rescue a horse whose hoof was struck between wooden ties on a northwestern Indiana railroad bridge after it apparently was spooked by fireworks and ran off.

Attorney: Casey Anthony rejected early plea deal
Associated PressMIAMI — Casey Anthony’s attorney said he strongly considered early in the case whether she should plead guilty to a lesser charge to avoid the death penalty if convicted of murdering her 2-year-old daughter Caylee, but Anthony adamantly insisted she had nothing to do with the toddler’s death.

South Korean arrested for unapproved trip to North
Associated PressPANMUNJOM, Korea — Shouting “Long live reunification,” a South Korean activist who spent more than three months in North Korea without his government’s approval stepped over the line dividing the North and South, and then was promptly arrested Thursday.

Power back on for many Mid-Atlantic residents
Associated PressBALTIMORE — More Mid-Atlantic residents were a little more comfortable Thursday as power companies hooked them back up with lights and air conditioning over the Fourth of July holiday.

3 children dead, 24 rescued after yacht capsizes off NY
Associated PressOYSTER BAY, N.Y. — A yacht full of fireworks watchers capsized off New York’s Long Island on the Fourth of July, killing three children and sending 24 others into the Long Island Sound, where many were rescued by fellow boaters, police said Thursday.

Wrongful death lawsuit filed in Wis. slaying
Associated PressThe family of a 13-year-old boy who was fatally shot outside his Milwaukee home has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the 75-year-old suspect. John Spooner has pleaded not guilty to a first-degree intentional homicide charge in the May 31 shooting of Darius Simmons. Prosecutors say Spooner accused the boy of stealing his guns, and shot the boy in the chest when he denied it.

2 arrested in N. Ind. for breaking fireworks ban
Associated PressPolice officers arrested two northern Indiana men on charges that they broke a county ban on shooting off fireworks and started a grass fire. Goshen police say the fire spread across four yards Wednesday before firefighters were able to put it out. No building damage or injuries were reported.

ComEd restores power to 99 percent of customers
Associated PressRepair crews have restored service to more than 300,000 Commonwealth Edison customers who were left in the dark after Sunday's storms, but about 1,500 others remain without power in the hardest-hit areas.

Chicago installing safety signs at crosswalks
Associated PressChicago has started installing signs at intersections to remind motorists they need to stop if pedestrians are in crosswalks. The Chicago Department of Transportation is putting in the signs as part of an effort to increase pedestrian safety and reduce crashes. The department says the city has about 3,000 crashes a year between motor vehicles and pedestrians, killing about 50 people.

District 128 offering first online courses to summer-school studentsBy Russell LissauA pair of computer-based English classes offered this summer at Vernon Hills High School mark District 128's first foray into the expanding world of online education. Twenty-two students are enrolled in the classes for the second semester of summer school, which began last week. Such e-classes already are used in Elgin Area School District U-46.

Sports

US men’s Olympic team set for camp, roster picks Associated PressLeBron James won a championship. Deron Williams became nearly $100 million richer. Kobe Bryant got Steve Nash as his backcourt partner. See, it hasn't been all bad news for the U.S. men's basketball players. But overall it's been a rough year so far, and the impact will be obvious Friday when the Americans open training camp with about three weeks until their Olympic opener.

Lynn pitches Cardinals past Rockies 6-2
Associated PressRookie All-Star Lance Lynn broke out of a three-start slump with six shutout innings, and Matt Holliday and Carlos Beltran drove in a pair of runs apiece to lead the Cardinals to a 6-2 win over the Colorado Rockies on Thursday night.

Dodgers get to Miley, beat D-Backs 4-1
Associated PressScott Van Slyke and Elian Herrera hit solo home runs, and the Los Angeles Dodgers sent Arizona to its sixth straight loss with a 4-1 win over the Diamondbacks on Thursday night.

Royals get season-high 16 hits, beat Blue Jays 9-6
Associated PressTORONTO — Luke Hochevar won for the third time in four starts after leaving the game with a sprained ankle, Eric Hosmer had three RBIs and the Kansas City Royals beat the Blue Jays 9-6 on Thursday night.All-Star Billy Butler snapped a season-long 0-for-24 hitless streak against Toronto pitching and Yuniesky Betancourt homered as the Royals won for the second time in six games. Salvador Perez tied a career-high with four hits, all singles, and Kansas City finished with a season-high 16 hits.Hochevar (6-8) gave up two runs and four hits in five innings before leaving with his injury. He sprained his right ankle while running to cover first base on Colby Rasmus’ infield single in the fifth. He stayed in the game and struck out Jose Bautista to finish the inning, but was replaced by Tim Collins in the sixth.Collins worked 1 1-3 innings and Greg Holland got the last two outs of the seventh. Aaron Crow got two outs in the eighth but gave up Yunel Escobar’s RBI single before Jose Mijares came on and surrendered a two-run triple to pinch-hitter Ben Francisco before Kelvin Herrera got J.P. Arencibia to ground out to end the threat.Jonathan Broxton finished in the ninth for his 21st save.Arencibia hit two home runs for the Blue Jays and Henderson Alvarez (5-7) gave up five runs and eight hits in 5 1-3 innings. Toronto lost for just the ninth time in 14 meetings against Kansas City dating to last season.Kansas City opened the scoring with in a five-run, 10-batter third against Alvarez, an inning that started and ended with Jeff Francoeur grounding out to third base.In between, Alcides Escobar, Hosmer and Billy Butler hit RBI singles. A fourth run scored on Brett Lawrie’s throwing error and Mike Moustakas capped the rally with a sacrifice fly.Butler’s infield single to third base was his first hit against the Blue Jays this season. Lawrie tried to throw Butler out from foul territory behind third base, but sent his throw into right field, allowing Escobar to score.Arencibia cut it to 5-2 in the third when he followed Kelly Johnson’s leadoff double with a two-run drive into the second deck in left.Toronto’s catcher went deep again in the seventh with a one-out solo drive, his 13th homer of the season, off Collins. It was his third multihomer game of the season and sixth of his career.Kansas City made it 8-3 with a three-run eighth against reliever Francisco Cordero. Alex Gordon had an RBI single and two runs scored on Hosmer’s base hit to shallow right, with Jarrod Dyson racing around to score from second when the throw went to first base.Toronto cut it to 8-6 in the bottom half on Escobar’s RBI single and Francisco’s triple, but Betancourt led off the ninth with a solo homer off Drew Carpeneter, his sixth.NOTES: The Blue Jays purchased the contract of RHP Sam Dyson from Double-A New Hampshire. Dyson replaces RHP Scott Richmond, who was optioned to Triple-A Las Vegas on Wednesday. Dyson made his major league debut in the seventh, pitching to two batters. ... Blue Jays RHP Brandon Morrow (strained left oblique) has reached 150 feet while throwing on flat ground. Morrow has been out since June 12, and there is no timetable for his return. ... The Royals released C Humberto Quintero, who was designated for assignment June 27. ... Earlier Thursday, Broxton lost out to Texas RHP Yu Darvish in fan voting for the final All-Star Game roster spot.

Throwback Nats rally, win 6-5 to sweep Giants
Associated PressBryce Harper scored the winning run when first baseman Brandon Belt couldn't dig out a short-hop throw on a potential double-play ball in the ninth, and the Washington Nationals completed a sweep Thursday with a 6-5 win over the San Francisco Giants on a night of fond memories of the 1924 World Series.

The significance of the All-Star Game and A.J.
By Mike NorthCompared to other sports, the MLB All-Star Game is much more than an exhibition game, says Mike North, and it has enough importance that the media should stop considering as such. North, however, isn't totally upset that Sox catcher A.J. Pierzynski was snubbed by the all-star selections. He's too important in the second half to the White Sox roster.

Indians hit 3 HRs, edge Rays 3-1
Associated PressCLEVELAND — Josh Tomlin pitched seven stellar innings and Shin-Soo Choo, Michael Brantley and Travis Hafner homered, leading the Cleveland Indians to a 3-1 win over the Tampa Bay Rays on Thursday night.Tomlin (5-5) limited the Rays to one run and two hits, easily the right-hander’s best outing since April.Choo led off the first with a homer off Jeremy Hellickson (4-5), Brantley connected in the second and Travis Hafner homered in the eighth off Jake McGee.Vinnie Pestano worked the eighth and All-Star closer Chris Perez finished up for his 24th save — all in a row since blowing one on opening day.The Rays have lost eight of 10, fell to 4-13 against the AL Central and have scored more than four runs once in the last 11 games.Luke Scott went 0 for 3 and set the Rays’ record by going 39 straight at-bats without a hit.Hafner gave Cleveland a big insurance run in the eighth, connecting off McGee. It was only Hafner’s second game back after missing a month following surgery on his right knee. His towering homer into the right-field seats was his seventh this season and first since May 23.The Indians have been waiting for Tomlin to regain his consistency since missing three weeks with a wrist injury. He pounded the strike zone against Tampa Bay, throwing 58 strikes in his 88 pitches. He retired the side in order five times and got a big assist from Choo to end the sixth.With two outs, Rays outfielder Ben Zobrist hit a drive to right that pushed Choo up to the wall before he made a staggering, backpedaling catch.Scott exemplifies Tampa’s offensive woes.Manager Joe Maddon played Scott, the team’s usual designated hitter, in the field for the first time this season, hoping a change of scenery would shake him out of his prolonged slump. However, Scott stayed hitless since June 1 by grounding out, fouling out and flying out to Choo before being lifted.Scott broke the previous club record of 37 consecutive hitless at-bats held by Jose Cruz Jr. (2004), and he’s closing on the major league record of 46 set last year by Eugenio Velez.Choo was batting just .235 when manager Manny Acta moved him to the top of the order on May 14, and the outfielder has been on a hitting tear ever since. He’s hitting .327 (64 of 196) with eight homers, 20 RBIs and 42 runs in 47 starts in the leadoff spot. He has raised his average 60 points to .295.He led off the first with his ninth homer, and fourth in the No. 1 slot, driving a 2-0 pitch from Hellickson over the wall in right field.Brantley made it 2-0 in the second with his third homer — and second in two days. With one out, Brantley turned on a fastball by Hellickson, sending just over the right-field wall.The Rays closed within 2-1 in the fifth. With one out, Will Rhymes hit a ball to deep right that just missed leaving the field and caromed off the wall. By the time Choo ran it down, Rhymes was at third with a stand-up triple. Jose Molina followed with an RBI groundout.Tampa Bay could have threatened in the eighth when Elliot Johnson lined a single into the left-field corner off Pestano with one out, but he was thrown out trying to stretch into a double it by left fielder Aaron Cunningham, who came in as defensive replacement for Johnny Damon an inning earlier.

Pirates ride Karstens to 2-0 win over Astros
Associated PressPITTSBURGH — Jeff Karstens scattered four hits over eight innings and the surging Pittsburgh Pirates blanked the Houston Astros 2-0 on Thursday night.Karstens (2-2) struck out a season-high eight against just one walk as the Pirates completed their first four-game sweep of the Astros at home since 1979. Joel Hanrahan pitched the ninth to record his 22nd save.Garrett Jones and Casey McGehee each drove in a run for Pittsburgh, which has won eight of nine to vault into first in the NL Central.Houston’s Bud Norris (5-6) gave up two runs and five hits in seven solid innings but the Astros’ offense sputtered a day after trading slugger Carlos Lee to Miami. Houston managed four singles and didn’t get a runner to third base until the ninth while losing its eighth straight game.While the Astros are struggling, the Pirates are rolling behind an offense that has been among the hottest in the National League over the last six weeks.There were no such fireworks on Thursday, but Karstens looked sharp after spending nearly two months on the disabled list earlier this season with shoulder inflammation and a hip flexor.Deftly mixing his fastball with a curveball that followed orders, Karstens kept the Astros off balance all night. The right-hander threw 62 of his 89 pitches for strikes and looked an awful lot like the pitcher who spent the first half of the 2011 season among the NL leaders in ERA.He tailed off as he piled up the innings last season and his problematic shoulder raised eyebrows this year. He got knocked around by Philadelphia in his return on June 17 but followed that up with seven efficient innings in 99-degree heat against St. Louis last Saturday.It was more of the same against the Astros. Hard-hit balls were scarce as Houston was shut out for the eighth time this season.The Pirates needed Karstens to be sharp after squandering a couple of opportunities to break the game open against Norris.Jones and McGehee led off the second with back-to-back doubles to get the Pirates on the board but McGehee was stranded at third. The Pirates loaded the bases an inning later but could only muster Jones’ sacrifice fly.Another rally in the fifth was stopped short when Drew Sutton was picked off second, the kind of baserunning miscue that’s been rare lately for baseball’s biggest surprise.Pittsburgh is 10 games over .500 for the first time since 1992, the last time it made the playoffs. Nearly two decades of losing have followed, but optimism is continuing to grow.Houston, meanwhile, can’t wait to get home after a dreadful 0-7 road trip. Brent Johnson got the start at first in place of Lee and went 0 for 4. Third baseman Matt Dominguez, one of two players the Astros acquired for Lee, went hitless in two at-bats but was clean in the field.NOTES: The Astros called up reliever Enerio Del Rosario from Triple-A Oklahoma City to give the weary bullpen some help while sending left-handed starter Dallas Keuchel down for at least 10 days. ... The Pirates open a three-game series with San Francisco on Friday. Erik Bedard (4-9, 4.57 ERA) starts for Pittsburgh against Barry Zito (6-6, 3.84). ... The Astros return home Friday to play the Brewers. J.A. Happ (6-8, 4.81 ERA) faces Milwaukee’s Yovani Gallardo (6-6, 3.87).

Wright’s hit in 9th wins it as Mets beat Phils 6-5
Associated PressNEW YORK (AP) — David Wright singled off Jonathan Papelbon with two outs in the bottom of the ninth inning, lifting the New York Mets to a 6-5 comeback victory over the Philadelphia Phillies on Thursday night that preserved R.A. Dickey’s 11-game winning streak.Daniel Murphy lined a shot off Papelbon’s leg for the tying run with two outs, setting the stage for Wright. Cole Hamels outlasted Dickey in a matchup of All-Stars that fizzled from the start. Hounded by recent trade rumors, Hamels pitched seven gritty innings and had two hits. But the Phillies’ suspect bullpen couldn’t finish off the win after beating the Mets on Wednesday night.Ike Davis began the ninth with a double off Papelbon (2-3). Josh Thole sacrificed pinch-runner Ronny Cedeno to third before Kirk Nieuwenhuis struck out. Papelbon then hit Jordany Valdespin with a 3-2 pitch and walked Ruben Tejada on a full-count to load the bases.

Kerr, Lincicome, Salas share lead at OpenAssociated PressAlthough plenty of athletes have used sports to lift themselves up from difficult backgrounds, Lizette Salas' path to the pros isn't the sort of story that's often heard in golf. The 22-year-old Salas shot a 3-under 69 in the first round of the U.S. Women's Open on Thursday, grabbing a share of the lead along with fellow Americans Cristie Kerr, the 2007 Open winner, and Brittany Lincicome.

Cubs’ Garza roughed up by Braves in 7-3 loss Associated PressCubs starter Matt Garza (4-7), who could be one of the top starters on the market ahead of this month's trade deadline, allowed five runs and five hits in four innings. He struck out six and walked three while throwing 94 pitches. Jason Heyward and Brian McCann each hit a two-run homer in the first inning.

Fesl sets up as Gordon Tech’s coach
By John LeuschAfter studying secondary education and starring for the women's volleyball team at Cincinnatti for the past four years, Anne Fesl's new professional career adds up.She has accepted a position as a math teacher at Gordon Tech High School in Chaicago where she will also serve as the school's varsity girls volleyball coach.

Sweep can’t move Konerko, Sox off message By Barry Rozner
White Sox fans have a solid understanding of the drought. Well, both droughts, actually.So they responded to thunder from the skies in the eighth inning nearly as they did to the thunder from Kevin Youkilis' bat in the sixth, one giving a drink of water to the thirsty foliage, the other giving hope that a parched fan base can really believe in the 2012 White Sox.

Vijay Singh shoots 63, leads Greenbrier ClassicAssociated PressVijay Singh and Jeff Maggert sent reminders that they're still able to compete with the younger crowd. Singh had his best round in six months, shooting a 7-under 63 on Thursday in the Greenbrier Classic to take a one-stroke lead over Maggert, Jonathan Byrd and Martin Flores — and leave Tiger Woods eight shots behind.

For Sox, confidence a matter of perspective
By Scot GregorThe White Sox got a boost of confidence while sweeping a three-game series from the Texas Rangers Thursday. But with 80 games left on the schedule, the Sox aren't taking anything for granted.

Quintana, Youkilis fuel Sox’ victory
By Scot GregorWhen the season started, Jose Quintana was starting for the Class AA Birmingham Barons.Considering he pitched for Class A Tampa in the Yankees’ system last year, Quintana appeared to be competing against the right level of competition.And when the season started, Kevin Youkilis was gearing up for what he thought would be another productive season with the Boston Red Sox.Three months later, Quintana and Youkilis were helping the White Sox sweep the defending two-time American League champion Texas Rangers.You’ve got to love baseball.And White Sox fans have got to be loving their team — particularly Quintana and Youkilis — following Thursday afternoon’s 2-1 win over Texas at U.S. Cellular Field.“It was great,” Youkilis said after hitting a solo home run in the sixth inning that decided the outcome. “To win the series against the Rangers is a great thing. That’s a great ball team. But to get the sweep at the end is even better.”You can say the Sox caught the Rangers at the right time, considering they have six pitchers on the disabled list.But the White Sox have five players on the DL, and 10 of their 25 players are rookies.So let’s call it a wash, and let’s give Quintana some major credit for holding baseball’s best-hitting team to 1 run on 2 hits in 8 innings.“Definitely, they’re one of the best lineups in baseball, but I just go out there and do the same thing each time,” Quintana said through a translator. “I just try to do my best and also throw my best pitches for strikes.”The 23-year-old lefty has been a strike machine since stepping into the Sox’ starting rotation after John Danks went down with a bum shoulder in late May.Not only is Quintana 4-1 with a 2.04 ERA after making his eighth start of the season Thursday, he’s walked just 10 batters in 57 innings.“He’s doing great,” White Sox captain Paul Konerko said of the rookie starter. “If you’re going to beat him you’re really going to have to string some hits together. He doesn’t walk a lot of guys, so it seems like you have to string some hits against him and that’s tough to do.“He’s a great story. We’re all happy for him. Good guy. Can’t say enough. He’s been a huge part of our year.”Youkilis has been a huge part of the White Sox since arriving in a June 24 trade from Boston. He kept the big hits coming as the Sox won their third straight over the Rangers.After going 3-for-6, hitting a 2-run homer and driving in 4 runs in Tuesday’s win over Texas, Youkilis decided Wednesday night’s game with a walk-off single in the 10th inning.On Thursday, he took Rangers all-star Matt Harrison (11-4) over the right-field fence in the sixth inning and the solo home run proved to be the difference in a game that started with 102-degree temperatures and ended with rain and lightning.“You just want to go up and have good at-bats,” Youkilis said. “Some days it’s going to be a good hit and some days it’s not going to matter. You want to have good hits all the time, but sometimes it works where it’s a clutch hit and sometimes it’s early in the game. The clutch hit is magnified more.”

Darvish tops Peavy in All-Star Game vote
By Scot GregorWhite Sox starter Jake Peavy lost to the Final Vote to Texas Rangers counterpart Yu Darvish and he won't be going to the All-Star Game, barring injury to a player already on the American League roster."We knew we had a tough fight ahead of us," Peavy said. "I just can't thank the White Sox, friends, family, the fans the support was overwhelming. It was humbling, incredible. We had so much fun with it. It just wasn't meant to be."

Cubs not a total train wreck in the first half
By Bruce MilesThe Cubs finished the first half of the season with a 31-50 record. But there is one area where team president Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer have a winning mark: off-season player acquisitions. Daily Herald Cubs writer Bruce Miles gives Epstein and Hoyer a 4-2 record in their major moves.

Quintana pitches White Sox to sweep of RangersAssociated PressWithout first-year standouts such as Jose Quintana and Addison Reed, the White Sox might not be on top in the AL Central. Quintana pitched brilliantly for eight innings in searing heat and the White Sox beat the Texas Rangers 2-1 to complete a three-game sweep Thursday in the meeting of division leaders.

Fielder homers in 8th to rally Tigers past Twins
Associated PressPrince Fielder hit a three-run homer in the eighth inning to break a tie and Delmon Young followed with solo shot to lift the Detroit Tigers to a 7-3 win over the Minnesota Twins on Thursday and a split of the four-game series.

Soccer rule makers approve goal-line technology Associated PressSoccer finally embraced goal-line technology. The sport's governing body said Thursday it will introduce the format at the seven-team Club World Cup in Japan in December, with plans to use it in Brazil at the 2013 Confederations Cup and 2014 World Cup.

24 aces help Serena Williams reach Wimbledon final Associated PressSerena Williams wins with so much more than serving, of course. Her groundstrokes are as intimidating as they come. Superb speed and anticipation fuel her court-covering defense. Her returns are more than solid, too. When that serve is on-target, though, it sure is something special, quite possibly the greatest in the history of women's tennis.

Hawks ‘very comfortable’ with Crawford in net
By Tim SassoneDespite the Blackhawks' pursuit of veteran free agent Martin Brodeur earlier this week, general manager Stan Bowman contends there aren't any issues with goaltender Corey Crawford. "Marty is the winningest goalie in the history of the game, and in some ways you'd be foolish not to discuss that with him," Bowman said. "I don't think it says anything about (our goaltending). We're very comfortable with our goaltending.

NFLPA, Vilma make more legal moves in bounty caseAssociated PressThe NFL Players Association filed a lawsuit against the NFL on behalf of three players suspended in connection with the bounty investigation, calling Commissioner Roger Goodell "incurably and evidently biased."

Elk Grove, Arlington get pitching boosts
By Marty MaciaszekElk Grove's Ryan Hayes and Arlington's Andrew Van Wazer gave their American Legion baseball teams a boost with strong pitching performances. Plus a look at other notes from Mount Prospect, Northbrook and Palatine.

Time for Illinois anglers to launch a revolt
By Mike JacksonOutdoors columnist Mike Jackson isn't happy about the state of perch fishing in Illinois, and believes it's time for the Illinois Department of Natural Resources to pressure state lawmakers for changes that will give all anglers the right to fish Lake Michigan in July. And hee wants you to join the cause.

Germany’s Greipel wins 5th stage of Tour de France
Associated PressIn yet another crash-marred finish, Andre Greipel of Germany led a frenzied bunch sprint to win the fifth stage of the Tour de France on Thursday for his second straight stage victory. Fabian Cancellara retained the overall leader's yellow jersey for a sixth straight day after the mostly flat 122-mile trek from Rouen to Saint-Quentin — almost tailor-made for sprinters except for a slight uphill near the end.

La Russa, Washington fidget with All-Star lineups
Associated PressRon Washington and Tony La Russa have been spending most of their spare moments the past few days fidgeting with potential lineups for next week's All-Star game. Of course, La Russa has had a little more time on his hands.

Mike North video: All-Star blunders and Bulls need AsikBy Mike NorthNo A.J. Pierzynski or Bryce Harper on the All-Star Team just doesn't cut it. If Bud Selig wants to appeal to a bigger audience, he needs players such as Pierzynski and Harper to participate. Tom Thibodeau says the Bulls need to retain Omer Asik on the team to compete.

MP Lions Club auctioning Ryder Cup tickets
By Daily Herald News ServicesThe Mount Prospect Lions Club will auction off a pair of tickets for each of the six daily rounds of the 2012 Ryder Cup tournament this fall at Medinah Country Club.The tickets to the sold-out international competition between the European and U.S. teams include the practice round sessions, mixed format rounds and the final day single matches.

Cougars outslugged 12-7
Special to the Daily HeraldIn a battle of offenses, the Quad Cities River Bandits outslugged the Kane County Cougars 12-7 in front of a season-high 9,601 on Wednesday night at Fifth Third Bank Ballpark. Quad Cities (44-38, 9-4) jumped out to a lead in the top of the third as David Medina singled home Nick Martini after Martini started the inning with a double. Juan Castillo and Roberto De La Cruz each drove home a run to put the River Bandits up by 3. Quad Cities didn't keep its lead for long as the Cougars (42-41, 8-5) picked up 4 in the bottom of the third.

White Sox add 10th rookie into the mix
By Scot GregorJesse Crain landed on the 15-day disabled list Wednesday with a sore throwing shoulder, so the White Sox brought up yet another rookie. Deunte Heath takes Crain's roster spot, and the Sox now have 10 rookies on the 25-man roster.

Youkilis a big hit already with White Sox
By Scot GregorAfter going 3-for-6, hitting a 2-run homer and driving in 4 runs in his first home game with the White Sox Tuesday. Kevin Youkilis delivered quite an encore. The Sox' new third baseman hit an RBI single in the 10th inning to spark a 5-4 Independence Day win over Texas.

Business

Malware may knock thousands off Internet on Monday Associated PressThe warnings about the Internet problem have been splashed across Facebook and Google. Internet service providers have sent notices, and the FBI set up a special website.But tens of thousands of Americans may still lose their Internet service Monday unless they do a quick check of their computers for malware that could have taken over their machines more than a year ago.

GlaxoSmithKline pleads guilty to health fraud
Associated PressA federal judge in Boston has signed off an agreement by British drugmaker GlaxoSmithKline to pay $3 billion for criminal and civil violations involving 10 drugs that are taken by millions of people.

Walgreen agrees to acquire USA drug chain for about $438 million Bloomberg News
Deerfield-based Walgreen Co., the largest U.S. drugstore chain, agreed to buy the owner of the USA Drug chain for about $438 million, gaining stores in southern states including Arkansas and Mississippi. Walgreen will purchase the stock of Stephen L. LaFrance Holdings Inc., which owns most of the acquired business, according to a statement today.

Retailers report tepid sales for June
Associated PressShoppers, worried about jobs and the overall economy, pulled back on spending in June, resulting in tepid sales results for many retailers. The reports raise concerns about Americans' ability to spend during the back-to-school shopping season, which starts later this month.

China cuts key interest rate for second time in month
Associated PressBEIJING — China cut its key lending rate Thursday for a second time in one month in a new effort to reverse its deepest economic slump since the 2008 global crisis.The central bank cut the rate on a one-year loan by 0.31 percentage points to 6 percent. It said banks will be allowed to offer discounts to borrowers of up to 30 percent below that benchmark, an increase from the 20 percent discount previously allowed.The slowdown in the world’s second-largest economy raises the risk of job losses and unrest at a politically awkward time for the ruling Communist Party. It is trying to enforce calm ahead of a once-a-decade handover of power to younger leaders.“This is a step beyond what was expected from policymakers,” said Mark Williams of Capital Economics in a report. He said the next rate cut had not been expected until the end of July or later.Beijing has been rolling out stimulus measures almost daily since March after growth slowed to a nearly three-year low of 8.1 percent in the first quarter. They cut interest rates June 7 for the first time in four years, reduced gasoline prices and promised to pump money into the economy with higher spending on low-cost housing and other public works.Private sector analysts expect second-quarter growth to fall as low as 7.3 percent before rebounding in the second half.The decision to cut rates so again so soon suggested monthly data due to be released next week might be unexpectedly weak.Chinese leaders had spent two years tightening controls to cool overheating and inflation but reversed course in late 2011 after an unexpectedly sharp drop in export demand.Still, the government is moving cautiously after its 4 trillion yuan ($586 billion) stimulus that helped China rebound quickly from the 2008 global crisis fueled price rises and a wasteful building boom.In an unusual step, Thursday’s announcement called on banks to control mortgage lending. That suggested authorities worry about a possible resurgence in real estate speculation as they try to stimulate industrial activity and job creation.Trade has weakened steadily as high U.S. unemployment and Europe’s debt crisis batter global consumer demand.Regulators also have approved a wave of massive investment projects by state companies, including two multibillion-dollar steel mills.Inflation that spiked to a three-year high last year has fallen, giving Beijing room to cut rates and pump money into the economy without triggering a possible renewed bout of politically dangerous price increases.Also Thursday, the central bank cut rates paid on bank deposits but by a smaller margin of 0.25 percentage points. That effectively transfers money from cash-rich state banks to savers by shrinking the margin between lending and borrowing rates.“This will further eat into bank profits but increases the effective amount of policy loosening,” said Williams.

U.S. fixed mortgage rates fall to new record lows
Associated PressFixed U.S. mortgage rates fell again to new record lows, providing prospective buyers with even more incentive to brave a modestly recovering housing market. Mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said Thursday that the average on the 30-year loan dropped to 3.62 percent. That's down from 3.66 percent last week and the lowest since long-term mortgages began in the 1950s.

Report: Countrywide won influence with discount loans
Associated PressThe former Countrywide Financial Corp., whose subprime loans helped start the nation's foreclosure crisis, made hundreds of discount loans to buy influence with members of Congress, congressional staff, top government officials and executives of troubled mortgage giant Fannie Mae, according to a House report.

U.S. jobless aid applications fall to 6-week low Associated PressThe number of people seeking unemployment aid last week fell to its lowest level since mid-May, suggesting layoffs are easing and hiring could pick up. The Labor Department said Thursday that weekly unemployment benefit applications dropped by 14,000 to a seasonally adjusted 374,000, the fewest since the week of May 19. The four-week average, which smooths out weekly fluctuations, dipped by 1,500 to 385,750.

Target’s June revenue gauge rises, but misses view
Discount retailer Target Corp. says a key revenue measure rose 2.1 percent in June as shoppers spent more on food and health and beauty items. But the growth in revenue at stores open at least one year was slightly lower than the 2.4 percent rise analysts surveyed by Thomson Reuters expected. Its shares fell more than 2 percent in premarket trading.

ECB cuts key rate to new low to help economy
Associated PressFRANKFURT, Germany — The European Central Bank has cut its key interest rate by a quarter percentage point to a record low of 0.75 percent to boost a eurozone economy weighed down by the continent’s crisis over too much government debt.The move followed a rate cut by China’s central bank and new stimulus measures by the Bank of England as global financial authorities seek to shore up a slowing global economy.European leaders last week agreed on new steps to strengthen market confidence in their shared euro currency bloc. They set up a single banking supervisor to keep bank bailouts from bankrupting countries and made it easier for troubled countries to get bailout help.Those steps helped calm financial markets, which have expected the ECB to follow up with more help in the form of a rate cut.The cut in the refinancing rate could mean lower borrowing costs for banks, businesses and consumers. The rate is what banks pay the ECB for loans and through them influences many other rates in the economy. In theory cheap borrowing makes it easier for businesses and people to decide to spend, but some economists say it may have little effect since interest rates are already very low.The ECB also cut its overnight deposit rate — what it charges banks for depositing their money with the ECB overnight — to zero. That encourages banks to lend to one another rather than stash it with the ECB. However, cutting the rate to zero does not eliminate the reason banks are often reluctant to lend to each other: fear that other banks may become insolvent and not pay the money back.Lending activity has remained weak because businesses are not asking for credit because of the slow economy and out of fear that the eurozone may suffer a further financial calamity. Concerns remain that bankrupt Greece could eventually leave the euro, causing more turmoil, or that Spain and Italy could need bailouts that would strain the resources of donor countries.The ECB move comes as central banks around the globe remain under pressure to take more action to support growth, even after expending much of their monetary ammunition already by slashing interest rates and increasing the supply of money in their economies. The Bank of England also added more stimulus Thursday, deciding to purchase another 50 billion pounds in securities to increase the money supply in the UK economy.China’s central bank earlier in the day cut interest rates for the second time in a month to shore up its economy, the second-largest in the world.

Japan reactor on grid; panel slams crisis response Associated PressNuclear power returned to Japan's energy mix for the first time in two months Thursday, hours before a parliamentary investigative commission blamed the government's cozy relations with the industry for the meltdowns that prompted the mass shutdown of the nation's reactors. Though the report echoes other investigations into last year's disaster at the Fukushima Dai-ichi plant, it could fuel complaints that Japan is trying to restart nuclear reactors without doing enough to avoid a repeat.

Zanies comedy club reborn in Rosemont By Danealle Khaimskiy
On July 6, Rosemont's growing entertainment district will add a new comedy club with an old name to its lineup of restaurants and bars. Zanies Comedy Club will open its doors in Rosemont with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 6:45 p.m., followed by free admission to shows on Friday and Saturday. “We tried to make it as perfect for stand-up as possible,” said Executive Vice President Bert Haas.

WikiLeaks has data from 2.4 million Syrian emails
Associated PressThe secret-spilling group WikiLeaks says it is in the process of publishing material from a trove of 2.4 million emails from Syria. WikiLeaks' Sarah Harrison told journalists at London's Frontline Club Thursday that the emails reveal interactions between the Syrian government and Western companies.

UN says global food prices down again
Associated PressA U.N. agency says world food prices have dropped in June for a third straight month to their lowest level in nearly two years but that dry weather in recent weeks could cause a spike. The U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization said in its monthly report Thursday that global prices of a basket of food commodities fell by 1.8 percent from May to their lowest level since September 2010.

Markets awaiting central bank decisions, U.S. data
Associated PressMarkets were firm Thursday ahead of policy statements from Europe's top two central banks that are expected to further ease monetary policy to help boost growth. While the European Central Bank is expected to cut its main interest rate to below 1 percent for the first time, the Bank of England is widely-tipped to back another boost to Britain's money supply.

Oil near $87 ahead of Europe central bank meetings
Associated PressOil fell to near $87 a barrel Thursday in Asia as investors waited for word on whether European central bankers will take measures to boost flagging economic growth.Benchmark oil for August delivery was down 65 cents at $87.01 a barrel at late afternoon Singapore time in electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange. Crude rose $3.91 to close at $87.66 on Tuesday, the last day the August contract settled in New York.

Bank of England backs another stimulus
Associated PressThe Bank of England has backed another 50 billion pounds ($78 billion) injection into the ailing British economy.Thursday's move by the Bank of England's Monetary Policy Committee was widely-anticipated and raises the amount it is pumping into the British economy since March 2009 to 375 billion pounds.

German economists warn on summit decisions
Associated PressA group of German economists is denouncing decisions made by last week's European Union summit, arguing that taxpayers, retirees and savers shouldn't be liable for the debts of struggling banks. EU leaders agreed European bailout funds could in future pump money directly into banks, rather than via governments, once an effective supervisor is established.

Life & Entertainment

007 exhibition looks at screen spy as style icon
Associated PressIf there's one thing James Bond has taught us it's that behind every great spy is a great tailor. A new exhibition at London's Barbican Centre explores the style of the suave secret agent, displaying costumes, props, set pieces and design drawings from half a century of 007 films.

Suburban actors make Steppenwolf debut in 'Three Sisters' By Barbara Vitello
New actors Jennifer Dymit, of Wheaton and recent North Central College graduate Garrett Lutz, of Aurora, don't have any lines in Steppenwolf Theatre's "Three Sisters." But being cast in Tracy Letts' adaptation of Anton Chekhov's play may be the break they've been looking for.

Jerry Seinfeld to debut Web series set in cars Associated PressJerry Seinfeld is going back on the road. The comedian announced Thursday that he'll debut the Web series "Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee" on July 19. The interview show will feature Seinfeld's comedian friends as guests.

Flo Rida drowns on 4th album ‘Wild Ones’ Associated PressFlo Rida has never been the main attraction on his own records: He's best known for his collaborations with other artists. On his new nine-track album, "Wild Ones," he takes even more of a back seat than usual. But that's not the only problem: Some of the tracks "contain elements" of various songs, making the album sound like something you've heard before — many times.

Matthew McConaughey and new wife expecting
Associated PressNEW YORK — Matthew McConaughey and his wife Camila aren't just newlyweds, they're also expecting. McConaughey's representative confirmed that his wife is pregnant with the couple's third child. Both the actor and his bride tweeted the news on Wednesday.

Bartlett native rises to the challenge of 'Vortex'By Brian Singer
Kaelan Strouse, a native of Bartlett who has been in the acting business in the Chicago area since graduating from Northwestern University in 2009, rises to the challenge of the lead role in the Dead Writers' production of "The Vortex."

Guitarist Sotti gives Wilson CD its sizzle Associated PressCassandra Wilson's a deferential diva on "Another Country." In fact, she lets her guitarist steal the show. Fabrizio Sotti co-produced the album with Wilson, and he gives the set its sizzle with lyrical, inventive playing on acoustic and electric guitar.

Reps confirm actress Claire Danes is pregnantAssociated PressClaire Danes has some busy months ahead: Not only is her hit TV series "Homeland" returning for its second season in September, but she's pregnant as well. Danes' rep, Jodi Gottlieb, confirms the actress is expecting her first child with husband Hugh Dancy.The news was first reported on People.com.

Musical lineup for baseball’s All-Star game
Associated PressStars are lining up for Major League Baseball's All-Star Game next week in Kansas City. Country singer Luke Bryan will sing the national anthem and country artist Kellie Pickler will perform "God Bless America" during the 7th inning stretch. Before the game, "American Idol" winner Phillip Phillips is planning a special on-field performance.

'Beasts' an impressive work of imagination that plays like a documentary By Dann Gire
Benh Zeitlin's imaginative feature debut “Beasts of the Southern Wild” creates an entire world out of muck, water, storms, danger and fantasy, yet it packs the gritty realism of a hard documentary narrated by a 6-year-old girl who views her world with patient wisdom beyond her years, Dann says. He also questions the wisdom of women shooting "rearview" images in "Magic Mike" and celebrates the return of "Jaws."

Daiquiri Deck a draw at Sergio’s in Geneva By Samantha Nelson
Outdoor seating has always been a hit at Sergio's Cantina in Geneva, with crowds willing to wait extra long for a patio spot during the summer. In May, the bar opened the Daiquiri Deck, a space that lets more customers enjoy the weather with an updated menu of Mexican food and drinks.

'Savages' a return to Oliver Stone's violent side By Dann Gire
Daily Herald Film Critic
Sitting through spoon-fed exposition is a small price to pay to witness Oliver Stone's overdue return to the nervously humorous, violently crazy and nightmarishly hallucinogenic thrillers that once defined his earlier films. "Savages" celebrates the return of the "Natural Born Killers" director after he's gone Styrofoam with "W.," "World Trade Center" and "Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps."

Fresh Giving Garden concept sprouts all over Itasca
By Eileen O. DadayAs many as 70 participants of a new concept in Giving Gardens are nurturing at least one plant dedicated to feeding the hungry through the Itasica Food Pantry. They have one thing in common -- colorful garden stakes proclaiming their commitment.

GOP missing the bus on immigration
By Donna BrazileThe John F. Kennedy Center hosted a musical last month titled “First You Dream.” When I noticed the ad, I thought about President Obama’s initiative through the Department of Homeland Security to allow undocumented immigrant youth to continue school or work without fear of deportation. Now, those young people can dream, too.That’s the way this country started: with dreams. We’ve been a nation of immigrants who first dreamed of better lives. Even before the Statue of Liberty welcomed “the huddled masses yearning to be free,” we welcomed the hardworking and the hopeful. I’m a Democrat, but I’m first and foremost a citizen. And it’s as a citizen that I’m grateful we have a president who is not afraid to take risks — even when failure (or success!) could cost his re-election. He went after Osama bin Laden when others said they wouldn’t. He passed the first and only national health care legislation — something many other presidents have advocated, but which caused extraordinary bitterness among congressional Republicans. He voiced his personal support for marriage equality. And when Congress refused to pass the DREAM Act, which would provide a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrant children, he ordered immigration officials to stop deporting them until Congress did move.Mitt Romney quickly passed judgment on Obama’s directive, calling it a “ploy.” Romney told CBS’s Bob Schieffer, “Well, as you know, (Obama) was president for the last three and a half years, (but) did nothing on immigration.” Unfortunately, this statement ignores a lot of bipartisan progress on immigration reform that has taken place during Obama’s term. Obama promoted and campaigned for the DREAM Act in 2008. While the Democrats were still in control of Congress, Obama secured the House passage of the DREAM Act by 216 to 198 votes. Eight Republicans voted for its passage.However, the DREAM Act stalled in the Senate when Republicans supporters of similar legislation flip-flopped and voted to prevent the DREAM Act from coming to a vote. Those flipping included Senators John McCain, Jon Kyl, Orrin Hatch, Sam Brownback and Kay Bailey Hutchinson. Though 55 senators voted in favor of passage, it fell short of the 60 votes needed to overcome the roadblock.Republicans who backtracked on their support for immigrant youth said they were opposed to it until the border was secure. Now, thanks to President Obama, the border is increasingly secure. He and Congress have cooperated to increase border security. New illegal immigration has dropped to a trickle. Yet, Republican opposition to the DREAM Act remains. Prior to the Obama administration’s decision, Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., had discussed introducing a Republican alternative to the DREAM Act, yet the bill has yet to be publicly released. He has blamed the Obama announcement for putting the bill on hold, but it seems more likely that he is having trouble garnering conservative support for the legislation. Perhaps part of the difficulty in getting Republicans on board with rational immigration reform is that their party’s presidential nominee has made such outlandish statements on the matter. Romney has said he would veto the DREAM Act. He suggested that Arizona’s questionably constitutional immigration law is a “model” for the country and said that his immigration reform plan was to make life so difficult for undocumented immigrants that they would “self-deport.” It seems that Romney now wants to walk back these extreme positions, but the record is there.

Chicago-sized test of wills
By George WillColumnist George Will: Unions can wound themselves by injuring their industries (e.g., steel and autos), but primary blame for improvident contracts with public employees belongs to the elected public officials who grant them.

Tollway coordinates with other agencies A letter to the editor: The Tollway's partnership and investment in transit studies with the Regional Transportation Authority have allowed it to better understand costs and infrastructure needs associated with accommodating transit on I-90.

(No heading)A Des Plaines letter to the editor: I believe most plan sponsors that properly comply with the new requirements will recognize opportunities to drive down their plan costs and improve the chances of their employees reaching a financially secure retirement.

You’re unique, just like everyone else
A Woodstock letter to the editor: If you are reading this letter, you are most likely one of the well-informed of David McCullough Jr.'s now viral Wellesley High School commencement speech, "You Are Not Special." I liked his appropriate ending, "The sweetest joys of life, then, come only with the recognition that you're not special, because everyone is." Had I been consulted, I would have had him add, "But you are unique ... (short pause) ... just like everybody else."